"Virtually Destitute" Former 'Ryan's Hope' Star Michael Hawkins Estranged From Son Christian Slater Once Again

Former Ryan's Hope and All My Children actor Christian Slater opened up to Interview magazine in the June-July issue about mending his relationship with his father, actor Michael Hawkins (Ryan's Hope's original Frank Ryan), after an estrangement that lasted for nine years.

The interview featured a candid discussion between Slater and director Lars von Trier in which he said that he had recently reconciled with his dad, a "manic-depressive schizophrenic." Hawkins was 79 years old at the time, and has since turned 80.

"He's always had trouble – he was a fantastic actor and extraordinarily charismatic and very, very good looking, but he had a really difficult time working with directors, collaborating with people," Slater told the director, also noting that his mother was his father's agent.

Things have apparently gone sour between the two since then. Slater's "virtually destitute" dad told RadarOnline.com last week he's been "disowned" by his famous son — and he'd do almost anything for a reconciliation.

Slater began his career on his dad's former soap, playing D.J. LaSalle on Ryan's Hope. Hawkins' other soap roles include Mark Elliott on Love is a Many Splendored Thing and Paul Stewart on As the World Turns.

Let's hope Slater and Hawkins can find some lasting peace in their relationship.

7 comments:

Unfortunately, this is consistent with the published stories from others. Claire Labine said they have to replace Hawkins on RH due to his drinking, and it was reported in Daytime TV mag at the time that Hawkins left Splendored Thing due disagreements with the director.

If he's a "manic-depressive schizophrenic," then sadly he is like many homeless, destitute individuals, and the situation is typically beyond the scope of any one family member to help him. And from my experience, some in this situation will say they want help and reconciliation one day, yet do a complete 180 the next. The cycles are part of the illness.

My brother has schizoaffective disorder, a CBO of schizophrenia and bipolar and this sounds very familiar. Help me please one day, the next day drop dead please. If meds are not strictly controlled they will self medicate with drink, etc. And most in this condition are very intelligent and talented. My brother was a musical.prodigy before this disease grabbed him in his teens. Very hard for family, most give up. Mine is currently missing in Rhode Island, hope to find him BT Christmas. Hard to explain how hard this is unless you live it.

My brother has schizoaffective disorder, a CBO of schizophrenia and bipolar and this sounds very familiar. Help me please one day, the next day drop dead please. If meds are not strictly controlled they will self medicate with drink, etc. And most in this condition are very intelligent and talented. My brother was a musical.prodigy before this disease grabbed him in his teens. Very hard for family, most give up. Mine is currently missing in Rhode Island, hope to find him BT Christmas. Hard to explain how hard this is unless you live it.

Tom Slater, aka:Michael Hawkins and Micel De Gainsborough has never been diagnosed with this disorder except by hus ex-wife and son. Both of them have not graduated from High School. Tom could not have gotten a college degree or been in a Broadway play.for a year, if all that was true.He had a divorce when his son was still young and his ex.who is a casting director spread this story according to him.He does have ups and downs and is passionate in his beliefs. but that is no reason to keep a good actor out of work. He also taught his son who should be helping him now. This is just my opinion on this sad family affair.

Since I have known this actor, Tom Slator for the past 2 yrs and sold his story to the National Enquirer last year,I know he is not schizophrenic and was never diagnosed as such. He is obsessive and compulsive in his political and personal letter writings but explained to me the reason behind this is to prevent getting an ulcer. It is his outlet and now I can understand it. He is a marvelous speaker and charismatic and intelligent person and I am so happy we can help him in his comeback! He is suing his son for the libel that helped keep him from working. We now have a documentary film,"Slater vs Slater" on IMDB in his own words.